Lemongrass Chicken (Printable Version)

Aromatic chicken infused with lemongrass and garlic, pan-fried to perfection in under 25 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.

# Ingredients:

01 - 5 pieces of boneless chicken thighs
02 - 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup)
03 - 5 cloves of garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
06 - 1 teaspoon sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 - Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - Combine chicken, chopped lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a ziploc bag. Seal and shake to evenly coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for 7 minutes per side, or until browned and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C).
03 - Slice cooked chicken into strips and serve over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, if desired.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C).

# Notes:

01 - Use only the middle part of the lemongrass stalk for optimal flavor, discarding the bottom inch and top two inches.
02 - For a finer lemongrass texture, blend the marinade in a blender until smooth.
03 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.